Menstrual Equity in Action: How the Women’s Centre Is Supporting Student Wellness in 2025

Two individuals stand at a table with pamphlets near a board filled with messages under the heading "What does gender equity mean to you?" A banner reads "WUSA Women's Centre." Text on the image states, "Women's Centre Highlight: Menstrual Equity Project.

Menstrual equity isn’t just about access to products, it’s about dignity, wellness, and making sure students feel supported on campus. 

Located on the third floor of the Student Life Centre (SLC), WUSA’s student services offices are home to spaces designed to support students beyond the classroom. One of these spaces is the Women’s Centre, found in SLC 3104, a welcoming, care-centered hub committed to accessibility, community, and student wellbeing. 

The Women’s Centre provides support and resources rooted in equity and inclusion. While its mandate centers women and trans communities, all students are welcome to access its services and space. Through the work of dedicated staff and volunteers, the Centre connects students with on-and off-campus resources related to sexual health, mental health, healthy relationships, advocacy, and more. 

Throughout the academic year, the Women’s Centre hosts workshops, events, film screenings, and campaigns that encourage learning and dialogue through an intersectional feminist lens always grounded in lived student experiences.

The Menstrual Equity Project: Care You Can Count On

One of the Women’s Centre’s key initiatives is the Menstrual Equity Project, which works to ensure that students across campus have reliable access to menstrual products without stigma, cost, or barriers. 

Menstrual equity is about more than free supplies; it’s about dignity, wellness, and recognizing menstrual care as a basic need. The project reflects WUSA’s broader commitment to student-centered support and inclusive services. 

As part of this work, menstrual products such as pads and tampons are available in both gendered and non-gendered washrooms across campus, helping students access what they need in everyday spaces.

Flexible, discreet, and student-first

In addition to menstrual products in washrooms, the Women’s Centre offers free menstrual hampers designed to meet students where they are. These hampers prioritize flexibility and choice, allowing students to take what they need without explanation. 

Currently, students can: 

  • Pick up individual pads and tampons 
  • Take a toiletry bag, fill it with products, and return later for refills 
  • Use paper bags if they forget their toiletry bag or prefer a single-use option 

Reusable menstrual products are not currently available, but the Centre is actively planning for future expansion. Reusable menstrual products, such as menstrual cups, are expected to become available in March 2026, with details to be shared closer to launch. Due to anticipated demand, pickup windows and possible waitlists may be introduced to ensure fair access. 

Menstrual hampers are available directly at the Women’s Centre in SLC 3104, making it a reliable point of access for students on main campus. 

Brown paper bags labeled "Single use" and "Period Hamper made by Steph" are on a purple background, part of a project supporting menstrual equity. One bag is tipped over, spilling its contents, including yellow-wrapped pads, a booklet titled "joni," and an informational pamphlet. Doodles decorate the scene.

Brown paper bags labeled “Single use” and “Period Hamper made by Steph” are on a purple background, part of a project supporting menstrual equity. One bag is tipped over, spilling its contents, including yellow-wrapped pads, a booklet titled “joni,” and an informational pamphlet. Doodles decorate the scene.

Reaching students beyond the SLC

The Menstrual Equity Project also works to ensure access across different campus spaces and communities. 

  • WUSA Advocacy staff regularly visit satellite campuses, tabling with pads, tampons, toiletry bags, and paper bags 
  • Menstrual hampers are delivered to: 
    • St. Jerome’s University 
    • Renison University College 

The Women’s Centre and WUSA are also exploring potential partnerships with Conrad Grebel University College and student clubs, which could create additional access points and help reach students where they already gather. 

A space for more than just supplies

While menstrual equity is a major focus, the Women’s Centre is much more than a distribution point for products. It is a safe, welcoming space where students can drop in, connect, and access care without judgment. 

Visitors are encouraged to explore the Women’s Centre library of over 900 books, covering topics such as feminist theory, queer studies, Indigenous stories, poetry, plays, and more. The Centre also publishes Voices, an annual creative publication released on International Women’s Day that highlights student artists, poets, and writers. 

By centering care, accessibility, and community, the Women’s Centre helps normalize conversations around health, bodies, and support; while reminding students they don’t have to navigate these experiences alone. 

Stay Connected

Students can stay up to date on the Women’s Centre’s initiatives, outreach days, and events by following them on Instagram:
@wusawomenscentre 

Whether you’re visiting to pick up menstrual products, attend an event, or simply spend time in a supportive space, the Women’s Centre is here to support you every step of the way! 

Maliha Karim

Communications Assistant

Published: Monday, January 12, 2026